Mexico chicken demand projected to rise 3% as World Cup tourism lifts consumption – USDA

MEXICO – Chicken consumption in Mexico is projected to increase by 3% in 2026 to reach 5.3 million metric tonnes, according to a recent poultry market outlook based on USDA Foreign Agricultural Service data, as affordability and versatility keep it the most widely consumed protein in the country.

As the Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional sector expands alongside rising tourism and preparations for the FIFA World Cup, demand for poultry is expected to grow in food service operations across the country, particularly in high-traffic urban areas, where hotels, restaurants and catering services are scaling up procurement ahead of the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup is projected to bring about 5.5 million international visitors to Mexico, pushing total annual arrivals beyond previous estimates reported by UN Tourism and increasing pressure on hospitality and food supply systems in host cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Growth in fast-food chains and local rotisserie outlets known as pollerías is also contributing to higher chicken consumption, with producers expanding cold-chain logistics and regional distribution networks to meet rising demand during peak travel periods.

Mexico remains one of the world’s leading poultry producers, with chicken output forecast to reach 4.2 million metric tonnes in 2026, while egg production is expected to remain close to 2.9 million metric tonnes, reflecting steady expansion in the sector driven by technology and biosecurity improvements.

Per capita chicken consumption in Mexico stands at roughly 35 kg annually, placing the country among the top global consumers, while reliance on poultry is reinforced by its lower cost compared with beef and pork in inflationary conditions.

Industry growth is also supported by continued imports to meet processing needs, particularly from the United States, while producers such as Bachoco and Pilgrim’s Mexico invest in processing capacity and logistics to maintain supply stability ahead of expected demand peaks.

As a result, market analysts expect Mexico’s poultry sector to maintain upward momentum through 2026, with infrastructure investment and expanding urban demand supporting both domestic production and import requirements as the country navigates heightened consumption linked to tourism and major sporting events, especially in co-host cities, overall outlook.

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